Bofors 40 mm 3P ammunition

Also known as

40 mm 3P
40 mm Pre-Fragmented HE round
40 mm pre-fragmented high-explosive round
Bofors 3P
Bofors 40 mm 3P
40 mm programmable all-target ammunition

Bofors 40 mm 3P ammunition is a Swedish pre-fragmented, programmable, proximity-fuzed high-explosive round for 40 mm guns. BAE describes it as all-target ammunition with six function modes that can be programmed immediately before firing against aerial, surface, or shore targets, and says Swedish 40 mm orders are primarily for Stridsfordon 90 vehicles.

Bofors 40 mm 3P ammunition, 40 mm pre-fragmented HE round, Munitions

Image source: In focus: the Bofors 40mm Mk 4 gun that will equip the Type 31 frigates

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: Sweden
Built by: BAE Systems Bofors
Type: 40 mm pre-fragmented HE round
Service note: 21st-century programmable 40 mm ammunition

ammunition fragmentation he air defense

Specifications

Caliber: 40 mm
Round weight: 2.5 kg
Projectile weight: 0.975 kg
Length: 534.4 mm
Muzzle velocity: 1,012 m/s
Function modes: Six programmable modes
Target set: Aerial, surface, and shore targets
Explosive fill: PBX

Carrier Vehicles

BAE says the Swedish Armed Forces will use the 40 mm 3P ammunition primarily in Stridsfordon 90 vehicles.

Carrier

Carrier type

Carriage evidence

CV90, Tracked infantry fighting vehicle, Armored Vehicles

Tracked infantry fighting vehicle

BAE says the Swedish Armed Forces' 40 mm 3P ammunition order is primarily for Stridsfordon 90 vehicles.

Sources: BAE Systems secures programmable ammunition orders from Sweden and Finland

Documented Function Modes

BAE says the 40 mm 3P round can be programmed immediately before firing and switched among six function modes for different target sets.

Mode	Target set	Effect
Gated proximity	Aerial targets	Airburst at the selected distance window.
Gated proximity with impact priority	Aerial targets with a fallback to impact	Airburst first, with impact as a backup if the gate is not met.
Time	Small fast manoeuvring surface targets and concealed onshore targets	Programmable time burst.
Impact	Surface targets	Detonates on contact.
Armor piercing	Armoured surface targets	Contact and penetration-oriented mode.
Proximity	Default mode	Proximity function without a gate.

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Used in Bofors 40 mm gun systems, including Stridsfordon 90 vehicles and other 40 mm mounts.

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Sources

FUZE 3P Programmable All-Target AmmunitionPublisher: BAE Systems | Note: Supports product background, manufacturer context, and the current Bofors 3P ammunition family description. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Bofors 3PPublisher: BAE Systems | Note: Supports the 40 mm 3P round's pre-fragmented, programmable, proximity-fuzed design, six function modes, dimensions, weight, muzzle velocity, and target-set context. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 BAE Systems secures programmable ammunition orders from Sweden and FinlandPublisher: BAE Systems | Note: Supports the Swedish 40 mm 3P ammunition order context and the statement that the 40 mm ammunition is primarily for Stridsfordon 90 vehicles. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 In focus: the Bofors 40mm Mk 4 gun that will equip the Type 31 frigatesPublisher: Navy Lookout | Note: Supports image provenance for the 40 mm 3P ammunition photo used on the page. | Accessed: 2026-06-27